A partnership between Massachusetts-based Factorial and long-established automotive brand Mercedes-Benz to bring an all-solid-state battery to market with stunning performance is making progress, according to Electrek.

Specifically, the update noted that the latest Solstice packs can reach a capacity of 40 amp hours. It is part of impressive results that Electrek and Reuters reported will offer an 80% increase energy density and reach compared to current standards.

Energy density is the amount of electricity that can be stored per pound. Improving that measure can help do electric vehicles lighter, which can provide better range. Factorial raised $200 million by 2022, incl Mercedes-BenzStellantis and Hyundai as investors, according to to Reuters.

“We are not only focused on the (battery) cost … but the cost of the total vehicle,” Factorial CEO Siyu Huang said in the story.

Solid state batteries are advocated as safer, lighter and better performing packaging than standard liquid electrolyte batteries. But producing them on a large scale at affordable prices has been a challenge according to to top speed.

When batteries work, ions move through the electrolyte as they travel between the electrodes. Common liquid electrolyte packs contain flammable substances that can cause rarebut seriousflames, according to data from the National Transportation Safety Board.

At Factorial, the team has developed a “quasi” solid state package called FEST, along with the all-solid Solstice. The latter product’s advantages include the ability to operate at scorching temperatures of 194 degrees Fahrenheit. It is produced using a “dry coating” process that reduces costs and environmental impact. As for performance, the Solstice is billed as having a range of 500 to 600 miles or more, all according to to the company.

For Mercedes, boss technology officer Markus Schäfer said being a leader in the sector helped Factorial develop the Solstice as a “cornerstone of Mercedes-Benz’s strategy and commitment,” according to Electrek.

Both companies plan to manufacture all-solid-state packaging at scale by the end of the decade.

It is another notable benchmark for the industry. And electric cars continue to be popular choices among car buyers. Reuters reported that global sales of electric cars and plug-in hybrids increased 25% 2024 set a record with more than 17 million vehicles.

It is an important part of curbing the production of heat-trapping air pollutants, linked of NASA to a greater risk of extreme weather events. These include drought and extreme heatwhich are factors like ABC News reported has played a role in the dreaded Los Angeles area fires.

Every electric car that replaces a gas guzzler can reduce thousands of kilos of air pollution per year. And that’s true even in states where fossil fuels provide the energy to charge them, according to to US government data.

Reuters added that Mercedes also cooperates with Taiwan’s ProLogiuma company that makes headlines for anode and solid-state innovations.

As for the factorial partnership, Schäfer feels strongly that the Solstice will help the automaker “set new standards for range, cost and performance.” per Electrek.

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